Everton are still in the hunt to qualify for Europe for the fifth time in Moyes' 11-year tenure at Goodison Park, an admirable record considering the limited cash available to spend on new players compared to several top-flight clubs.

But the Scot will be out of contract at the end of the season, and Moyes has yet to confirm whether he will stay on or consider a fresh challenge away from Merseyside.

"I don't want to talk about cash but it is a factor," said Moyes, in the wake of Sunday's 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

"We are a long way down in competing financially with a Tottenham, an Arsenal or a Liverpool - but no-one was thinking that while we were on the pitch.

"We've come on from where we've been. We've got a good team, good players and we will try to grow it and make it better."

Meanwhile, bookmakers have reported a surge of bets on Moyes to become the next Manchester United manager when Sir Alex Ferguson finally decides to retire.

Moyes has been cut to 10/11 by Sky Bet to take the helm at Old Trafford, with Jose Mourinho quoted at 8/1 and Pep Guardiola 12/1, while Moyes is also 11/4 to succeed Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

till I suppose it still gives him at least another year in the job. By the time it comes around , he can always make up another excuse. First it was 3 months , then a year .....Next year ? Whats his excuse with Van Persie ?